United Methodist Women and edification

Here's a story I love, a kind of pre-Christmas present to you, dear reader.

After World War II, the United Methodist Women's fund had accumulated to a sizable amount.

The United Methodist Men said, "Let us manage that money for you."

But the women answered, "No, we have some plans."

To the astonishment and (to some degree) the horror of the men, the women bought two buildings, one on 1st Avenue in New York, right across from the United Nations construction site, and the other in Washington, D.C., on Maryland Avenue, across Second Street from the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

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For 60 years, these two buildings have offered low rent to nonprofit organizations to work for justice and peace at the United Nations and in the halls of Congress. These buildings were a great investment, a great gift to us all.

The other day I was explaining the meaning of the word "edify" to a young friend. I am indeed edified by the United Methodist Women. I'm also edified by the authors of so many profound and loving responses to my last blog on why military spending is bad for the economy. Thank you.